UNICEF Reports Millions of Afghan Children Received Healthcare Services Last Year

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that 5.6 million children in Afghanistan, including 1.4 million infants, received healthcare services over the past year. The agency stated that more than 20 million people accessed primary healthcare during the same period, with women accounting for approximately 60 percent of those reached.

According to the report, humanitarian programs delivered essential nutrition services to roughly 10 million children and mothers, while education initiatives supported 4 million children. Emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene services were also expanded, reaching 2.7 million individuals across the country.

Looking ahead, UNICEF outlined plans to treat more than one million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition in 2026. The agency emphasized that these efforts are taking place amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis marked by economic contraction and widespread displacement.

UNICEF officials warned that ongoing restrictions on women’s and girls’ education and employment continue to hinder the delivery of essential services. The agency noted that these limitations pose significant challenges to long-term economic resilience and the sustainability of humanitarian programs. Despite the operational difficulties, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up health, nutrition, and education interventions to meet the needs of vulnerable populations across Afghanistan. The report highlighted the critical role of international funding and local partnerships in maintaining service delivery amid persistent structural challenges.